Kitchens have emerged as the center of home life. Where the kitchen was once just a place to prepare food and clean up, now we dine and entertain there. It's the focal point of a modern home, where people gather and where guests are welcomed. Open plan living has given rise to larger kitchens with clever storage and sophisticated lighting plans, perfect for everything from morning coffee to Friday night cocktails with friends.

A kitchen remodel needs to be stylish as well as multi-functional, fitting everything from food prep to homework. With so much demand placed on a kitchen, how do you make it feel luxurious? It's worth investing in a kitchen remodel. If you're planning to relocate eventually, high-end kitchens sell homes faster. If you're staying put, it's time to express your style in a kitchen that performs well and makes life easier.

Upgrade Your Island

Social dynamics have made kitchens more open plan, but this open space needs streamlined storage and clean lines to keep it functional. A great way to create a focal point is to center the design around a multi-functional island. The island has long been a hero of kitchen design, and the latest islands are bigger and better than ever, performing as a kitchen hub while making an aesthetic impact.

An island can contain storage for everything from pans to pet supplies and include sinks, cooktops, and other appliances. At the same time, it should be large enough to prep and serve food and drinks on, with adequate seating for family or guests. Factoring in work or study space means islands are becoming larger, with more than one level or distinct zones. T-shaped or L-shaped islands are popular for a larger kitchen. Cantilevered islands provide lower counter space connected to one side of the island, adding extra workspace. As lines blur between kitchen and living areas, an island can extend into the living area to free up kitchen space and serve as a stylish dining table. We cover layout choices in more depth in our kitchen layout guide.

Streamline Your Look

Streamlined kitchen layouts and materials create a cool, calm aesthetic. The secret is clean lines, especially in storage. Replacing upper cabinets with open shelving has opened up wall space but is high maintenance. The current direction is streamlined floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall cabinets that hide clutter and are understatedly elegant. Use high-quality materials and include texture for interest. Reclaimed wood, for example, is sustainable, fashionable, and works well in minimal touch-release cabinetry. Hardware can still be included on streamlined cabinets. Brass or an unusual choice like leather adds character and a finishing touch.

Choose Game-Changing Colors

White is a classic that works beautifully in kitchen design. But since you spend so much time in the kitchen, why not try a color that represents your style? Different materials and textures can be combined for a blended approach to a kitchen, making it unique. Designers are increasingly going for colored cabinets in shades of blue or green. Black is also very popular for sophistication with drama. Not only cabinets but islands, tiles, and walls are being intensified with luxurious colors: wine red, rich brown, plum, emerald-green, navy, or velvety black.

One way to ensure the design isn't too dark is to go two-toned with cabinetry. Try a lighter color on upper units, or choose a contrasting countertop or island in a different shade. Mix materials too, for a combination of tones and textures that give interest and depth.

Embrace Technology Throughout

Technology gives a kitchen high-end function with a high-end appearance. Smart kitchens have technological advances built into everything from faucets to lighting. Motion-sensor faucets, automatic pot stirrers, and coffee machines that can be timed are just some features that add flair. Smart refrigerators that track food supplies and trash cans that scan barcodes and order replacements are clever solutions for busy lifestyles. Devices can connect to entertainment, lighting, ovens, heating, and a range of appliances for a kitchen where you can work and entertain without stress.

Consider Every Aspect of Lighting

Lighting is a key element of a luxury kitchen. Think about lighting at the planning stage so necessary wiring or fittings can be included during construction. The lighting scheme should be layered, performing many tasks while remaining stylish and warm. Task lighting is needed over busy work surfaces. Ambient lighting creates a soft atmosphere and delineates areas. Track lighting and ceiling fixtures can be directed over certain parts of the space to create depth, especially with dimmer switches. Accent lighting showcases items on display.

The key to a high-end look is decorative lighting. Invest in one or two designer fixtures to give the design real impact. Pendant lights in organic materials or glass globes work beautifully. Materials should be high-quality and match your style. Bar-style pendants work in a sleek, minimalist design; oil-rubbed bronze track lighting suits a trendy dark color scheme. Choose outlets and switches in brass, copper, or silver for finishing touches. We dig into kitchen lighting in our lighting guide.

Choose a Failsafe Countertop Material

A high-quality countertop lifts the whole look of a kitchen. Quartz is a wise choice: stylish, durable, low maintenance, and easy to install. Technological advances mean quartz now comes in a huge range of colors and finishes, even imitating natural stone with realistic veining and patterns. Granite is also a luxurious choice but requires more maintenance. A composite sink adds the finishing touch to a quartz countertop, seamlessly smooth and easy to clean. Neutral tones (grey, cream, taupe, white) give a chic look that complements any kitchen. Other materials like wood, laminate, resin, or marble look stunning in a dark, rich color against light cabinetry.

Don't Overlook Your Backsplash

Subway tiles are a classic for backsplashes, but designers are using larger tile formats in more vibrant colors. Textured and patterned tiles in interesting shapes bring glamor to remodels. The continuous slab look uses an expanse of material to cover the wall. Steel, copper, quartz, wood, marble, glass, and resin are all gaining popularity. With upper cabinets giving way to shelves beside the stove, backsplashes can reach the ceiling. This look is low maintenance and adds a high-impact focal point.

Choose Durable Flooring

Kitchen flooring puts up with a lot of traffic. The material has to be hard-wearing and work with your cabinets. Bamboo, concrete, and hardwood are all excellent choices. Ceramic or porcelain flooring is increasingly popular and comes in a wide range of colors and styles, mimicking most materials with added durability. Natural stone or wood can be replicated in tile, down to surface texture. Plank-sized tiles look exactly like wood without the drawbacks. We compare flooring options in our flooring guide.

Organize for Maximum Efficiency

The key to a calm, beautiful kitchen is keeping clutter to a minimum. Internal storage can be maximized with clever solutions. Customize cabinetry for your requirements and plan storage throughout the kitchen, including a pantry. Appliance garages are perfect for small appliances. Cabinets dedicated to garbage and recyclables are another good option. Integrate the refrigerator into the design and keep countertop essentials in attractive containers. Drawer dividers, pull-out racks, and lazy Susans are internal fixes for more efficient storage.

Bring in the Outdoors

Lush greenery brings a space to life. Potted plants, vases of flowers, succulents, and hanging planters add style. Invest in well-made pots and vases that complement your style. The most effective way to include nature is to add entry points from the kitchen to an outdoor area where possible. A glass door connecting kitchen and patio creates a continuous space. An enormous window over the sink could mean losing some upper cabinets, but with effective storage elsewhere the result welcomes light and nature into the kitchen.

Talk through your luxury kitchen with a designer

If you're planning a luxury kitchen and want to talk through how to bring it together, we'd love to talk.

Schedule a showroom visit at our 5,000 square foot showroom in Norwell. No pressure, just a real conversation about your home.

Transitions Kitchens, Baths & Remodeling
433 Washington St, Norwell, MA
(781) 871-0881